Emirates secure a clinical victory over Knight Riders to make it to playoffs

image-ldovbn44Kieron Pollard (Source: Twitter)

MI Emirates prevailed by 18 runs over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Match 26 of the ILT20 2023 on Friday at Abu Dhabi. 

Emirates post a strong total

Invited to bat first, Emirates got off to a slow start with their openers Andre Fletcher and Muhammad Waseem. They added 35 in 6.4 overs, before Fletcher was dismissed for 22.

Then, arrived Lorcan Tucker, whose positive intent help enhance the scoring rate. However, he was retired-out for 33 off 23, wherein Waseem accelerated in a proficient manner to finish on 60 off 43 balls. 

In the end, Kieron Pollard slammed 43 off 17 balls, including a 26-run over against Andre Russell. His exploits helped the Emirates to post a strong total of 180 on the board.

Knight Riders succumb to pressure

In reply, Knight Riders lost Paul Stirling (0) early. Then, Joe Clarke (22) and Brandon King (19) tried well but could not convert their starts. Thereafter, Charith Asalanka contributed 17 off 14.

The flamboyant Andre Russell was terrific with his hitting, but got out at the wrong time after scoring 42 off 22, with five fours and two sixes. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to get going, resulting in them losing the game by 18 runs.

Dwayne Bravo picked three wickets, while Imran Tahir and Zahoor Khan accounted for two scalps each. 

Brief Scores: 

MI Emirates: 180/4 (20)

Muhammad Waseem 60 (43), Kieron Pollard 43 (17);
Sabir Rao 1/21, Sunil Narine 1/33

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: 162/10 (19.2)

Andre Russell 42 (22), Joe Clarke 22 (17);
Dwayne Bravo 3/37, Imran Tahir 2/20

Match Result: MI Emirates won by 18 runs

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